The Road Ahead

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

TURNPIKE MAKES WAY FOR SUPER LOADS

PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton last month joined PA Department of Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin and local business owners to mark the completion of a critical economic development project to accommodate oversized loads at the Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass (Toll 66). The $1.2 million project was made possible through a Transportation Infrastructure Investment Funds grant announced by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2016.

The project allows companies, including Elliott Group, based in Jeanette, Westmoreland County, to more quickly and efficiently move large loads, called super loads. Representatives from Elliott Group — which employs 1,000 people and manufactures massive compressors and turbines at their facility — joined CEO Compton and Secretary Davin at the event.

The project involved modification of the Toll 66 mainline toll plaza at milepost 5 by removing a portion of the overhead canopy and other modifications along with minor roadway reconstruction and widening a southbound lane to accommodate super load traffic exclusively. Additionally, a bypass lane capable of accommodating northbound super loads was constructed at Exit 8, where PA Route 130 intersects Toll 66.

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